Arden is a good girl, but that label is getting old, especially when her boyfriend uses it as his excuse when he breaks up with her. She lives a quiet life, focusing on her friends and her bookstore, but she can’t seem to find a relationship that burns like she knows it should. And everytime she thinks she has found the one, something happens to make them fizzle.

Gabe is known around town not only for his good looks, but for his rule to keep his relationships casual. When they meet, Gabe’s determination to keep things light is challenged, but the timing is all wrong. Despite the bad timing, he is intrigued by Arden and they strike up a friendship that both come to rely on for support.

They both value the friendship that builds between them and don’t want to mess it up, but when Arden asks Gabe for help learning about her naughty side, it is too tempting for Gabe to pass up, especially since she says she just wants to mime. Too bad the request fires up feelings they were both trying hard to ignore.

This is a bit of a slow burn, and I loved the pacing as a result. With Arden coming out of a relationship, the pace made for great banter and a build up of tension between Arden and Gabe. It also allowed for a sweet friendship to develop - a friendship that everyone around them can see right through.

Arden’s limited experience left her feeling like she was missing something, especially when it seemed that was the reason she couldn’t keep a relationship. But Gabe’s patience, strength, and willingness to be and do whatever Arden needed made me fall for him hard and fast.

This was a fun, sweet friends to lovers story. This small town has a lot going for it -- great friends, small town connections, and hot firefighters. Gabe and Arden’s friends have a lot to add to their story and I look forward to more from them.